Trump disinvites Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles from planned White House visit on Tuesday, citing national anthem dispute

Trump on Monday abruptly announced the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles would not visit the White House on Tuesday, citing the team’s participation in national anthem protests. 

“The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow. They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country,” Trump said in a statement.

“The Eagles wanted to send a smaller delegation, but the 1,000 fans planning to attend the event deserve better,” he added.

Trump said Eagles fans are still invited to the White House “to be part of a different type of ceremony—one that will honor our great country, pay tribute to the heroes who fight to protect it, and loudly and proudly play the National Anthem. 

“I will be there at 3:00 p.m. with the United States Marine Band and the United States Army Chorus to celebrate America,” he said.

Trump has frequently criticized NFL players who protested during the national anthem before games last season, calling for them to be punished or fired.

Several Philadelphia Eagles players were among those who protested during the national anthem before games each week last season to raise awareness of social justice issues. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie also criticized Trump’s views on the protests.

Some of those players said following the team’s Super Bowl victory that they would not visit the White House if invited.

League owners voted last month to implement a new policy that requires players to stand during the anthem next season, or face a fine. Players also have the option to remain in the locker room.

Even with the new policy, Trump continued to attack those who don’t stand for the anthem, suggesting they don’t belong in the country.

This marks the second time the president has disinvited a championship team from the White House.

Trump rescinded an invitation to Golden State Warriors last year after star player Stephen Curry said he probably would not attend.

“The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow,” President Trump said in a statement. “They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country. The Eagles wanted to send a smaller delegation, but the 1,000 fans planning to attend the event deserve better. These fans are still invited to the White House to be part of a different type of ceremony — one that will honor our great country, pay tribute to the heroes who fight to protect it, and loudly and proudly play the National Anthem.”

This is a developing story. It will be updated.